1. Intro: topic paralysis
   • Many students waste months just trying to select a topic.
   • Promise: a clear, stepwise process, with examples in South Asian trade.
2. Step 1 – Start from your context and curiosity
   • Look at local industries, policy debates, recent trade agreements.
   • Keep a simple “problem notebook”.
3. Step 2 – Scan the literature and data
   • Use Google Scholar, institutional repositories, and trade data portals.
   • Identify gaps: under‑studied sectors, countries, or firm types.
4. Step 3 – Check feasibility (data, access, time)
   • Can you realistically get data within your thesis deadline?
   • Think through survey reach, secondary data availability.
5. Step 4 – Sharpen to a clear, answerable question
   • Move from “Impact of trade” to a specific, operational question.
   • Introduce basic PICO‑style or variable‑based framing.
6. Step 5 – Align topic with your future plans
   • Choose topics that support your desired career or PhD direction.
   • Example: trade logistics, MSMEs, digital trade, sustainable trade in South Asia.

Soft pitch: SATC topic and proposal guidance

Mention that SATC training sessions include topic‑development and proposal‑building support tailored to South Asian cases.